Feng Shui - The Art of Placement
by Karen Havenor
http://www.fqhouse.com
Feng Shui. Is it a buzz-word, or is there something in
this ancient body of knowledge that can inform and
enhance modern living? A definition of feng shui is a
helpful place to begin answering that question.
Essentially, feng shui is an environmental science used to
creating a proper and balanced flow of energy through
the art of placement. Feng shui is a philosophy as well
as a practice. Although it originated in China, all societies
have the knowledge contained in feng shui. Its use
contributes to individual well-being and ultimately to that
of entire communities.
Whether at home or at work or around out communities,
feng shui as practiced in the West today guides us in
creating environments that support us and set us at
ease. Some feng shui practices simply make sense:
natural light, fresh air, and clean environments are good
for the well being of both our bodies and spirits.
At the same time, feng shui contains other environmental
concepts that might not seem so obvious as potentially
beneficial or harmful. In fact, some harmful arrangements
go unnoticed until we recognize a problem area in our life
and take steps to correct the problem. Once our
surrounding are properly ordered, we can connect to the
energy around us that allows us to experience desired
changes for the better.
Some spaces instinctively feel right, whether by
intentional design or by someone with a knack for
placement and flow. What are some of the feng shui
principles at work in places that give the feeling of
peaceful welcome?
One principle is the balance of yin and yang. According
to feng shui, these two forces always act together in
creating energy. In balance, there is well-being. However,
when one force dominates, the imbalance can be
detrimental. These positive and negative forces are
opposites, yes, but yin and yang are interdependent.
That is, without knowing softness, one cannot
understand hardness. Stillness and motion, low and high,
cold and hot: these are examples of yin forces and yang
forces, which at their extreme can change into the other.
For example, sunstroke can make victims shiver and ice
can feel like a burn. In feng shui, the object is to balance
opposites.
A second principle of spaces that feel right is the idea
of Chi. Chi doesn't have a western equivalent, but loosely
can be translated as the life force of animate things, the
power of the sun and weather, the quality of the inanimate
or of the environment. In short, the energy. When Chi is
blocked in our bodies, acupuncture is used to help it flow
and restore health. Where Chi is blocked in our homes or
other surroundings, proper re-arrangement will get it
flowing smoothly and gently once again, restoring peace
and harmony for the occupants.
To improve the balance of yin and yang, as well as the
proper flow of Chi, you could find very detailed
instructions in the plethora of books on the subject. These
two principles are an excellent beginning point for
applying feng shui to your surroundings. However, you
need not refer to another source at all to begin right now
with the simplest and most powerful thing you can do to
affect the quality of your life for the better. Put simply,
clear your clutter.
Start by clearing the clutter - in your closets, from
table-tops, out of drawers, throughout rooms, the car,
yard and garden, the garage, everywhere. When you're
done, you will feel renewed, and if you like the feeling,
then get the books and resources, delving further into
the philosophy and practice of feng shui, the art of
placement for well-being.
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